The Sabin Vaccine Institute applauds the decision made today by the Sixty-fifth World Health Assembly to endorse the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP). As a research and advocacy organization devoted to ensuring that life-saving vaccines reach the people that need them most, we commend this action plan, which lays the groundwork for the discovery, development and equitable delivery of vaccines.

This week health ministers from around the world are meeting at the Sixty-fifth World Health Assembly (WHA) to discuss health issues that impact people everywhere. World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan opened the meeting on Monday by calling for universal health coverage.

“Universal health coverage is the best way to cement the gains made during the previous decade. It is the ultimate expression of fairness. This is the anchor for the work of WHO as we move forward,” said Dr. Chan.

For the past week, the Sabin Vaccine Institute and the Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases have been working with a group of organizations to raise awareness of specific issues - such as global health, nutrition, the environment and corruption – in advance of the G8.